Assisted-death legislation goes to Vt. judiciary panel

It's on to the Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee for legislation that would allow doctors to prescribe lethal medication to terminally ill patients who request it.

The measure — dubbed "end of life choices" by supporters and "physician-assisted suicide" by opponents — sped through the Senate Health and Welfare Committee this past week, winning approval there Friday on a 5-0 vote.

It's expected to have a bumpier ride in the Judiciary Committee, which could send it to the Senate floor with a recommendation that it be defeated.

The measure is expected to see action in the full Senate, next week. It has yet to see action in the House.